Another annoying problem is affecting Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 users. This time, the update error has the code 0x80072EFD and is related to Windows Update. Below are more details.

Windows 8, just like any version of Windows 8, is plagued with problems. Our job is to report them and try to find fixes together. One such recent error in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 is 0x80072efd with Windows Update. Recently, we have reported a similar issue with the Windows Store App Updates: 0x8007064a, 0×80246007, 0×80248014 Errors. One user says the following, blaming this problem on the proxy settings

“cant use windows update cause of 80072efd. from what i found the problem is with network proxy, but i tried to reset the IE and the proxy even without automatic detection, also used netsh command to reset proxy but still the problem persists. but whenever i run a local proxy like Psiphon i can use windows update (proxy is not required for downloads only for update check)”

Fortunately for those affected by this problem, there’s an official acknowledgment of the issue by Microsoft itself. Redmond describes this problem like this – “when you check for updates by using Windows Update, you receive error 0x80072efd”. Here the steps that you need to take to fix this problem:

Fix: Windows Update Error 0x80072efd in Windows 8, 10

Since there’s obviously something wrong with your internet connection, the very first thing we’re going to try is updating your network drivers.

In case you don’t know how to do that, follow these instructions:

Go to Search, type devicemngr, and open Device Manager.

Find your router under Network Adapters.

Right-click your network adapter, and go to Update driver…

Wait for the process to finish, and follow on-screen instructions.

Restart your computer.

Updating drivers manually need extra-caution, so we recommend you to download this driver updater tool (100% safe and tested by us) to do it automatically. Thus, you will prevent file loss and even permanent damage to your computer.

Solution 2 – Run the Network troubleshooter

If you’re running Windows 10 Creators Update or a newer version of Windows 10, you can use Microsoft’s new troubleshooting tool. This tool is useful when dealing with various system-related issues, including Windows Update problems.

If you’re not sure how to use the new troubleshooter in Windows 10, just follow the instructions below:

Go to Settings

Head over to Update & Security > Troubleshoot

Find Windows Update, and click Run the troubleshooter

Follow further on-screen instructions

Restart your computer

Solution 3 – Fix connection issues

Now, let’s investigate if something’s wrong with your internet connection. The simplest way to check this is to, well, connect to the internet. If there are any problems, check out some of the following articles:

Check out Services again and make sure that Windows Update is Disabled.

Now that the Windows Update service is disabled, let’s also delete the Software Distribution folder. This folder stores all the update data and info before it gets installed on your computer. So, deleting this folder will reset the complete update mechanism. We’ll also re-enable the Windows Update service after deleting the folder.

Here’s what you need to do:

Navigate to C:Windows and find the SoftwareDistribution folder.

Rename folder to SoftwareDistribution.OLD (you can delete it, as well but why to take unnecessary risks).

Restart your computer.

Once again navigate to Services and find Windows Update and, in Properties, change from Disabled to Manual.

Restart your computer once again.

Check for updates.

Solution 5 – Run the SFC scan

If none of the Windows Update-related solutions from above managed to resolve this problem, we’ll try some more general solutions now. The first thing we’re going to try is running the SFC scan.

In case you’ve never heard of this feature, the SFC scan is Windows’ built-in tool for resolving various problems. And it could be useful here, as well.

Here’s how to run the SFC scanner:

In Windows Search type cmd

Right-click and Run as administrator.

In the command line type: sfc/scannow

The process should last a few minutes.

After it’s done, close the command prompt

Solution 6 – Run the DISM

Similarly to the SFC scan, DISM (Deployment Image & Servicing Management) is also a tool for dealing with various system errors, but a more advanced one. So, if the SFC scan didn’t get the job done, your chances are better with DISM.

And finally, a solution that was helpful when dealing with Windows 10 update error 0x8024401c may also help in this case. Namely, if you’re experiencing upadte problems, switch from the iPv6 protocol to iPv4, and there’s a chance the problem will be solved.

Here’s how to do that:

Go to Search, type network connections, and open Network connections.

Right-click the connection (either LAN or Wi-FI) you’re currently using and choose Properties.

In the list of the connection items, uncheck the iPv6 box and confirm the selection.

Save the changes.

Go to Windows Update and check for updates.

That’s all, we certainly hope at least one of these workarounds helped you with the 0x80072efd error. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, just let us know in the comments below.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2013 and has been since completely revamped and updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.